Want to take your gaming to the next level?
A gaming chair might be just what you need. They’re custom-built with gamers in mind to keep you comfortable and immersed for hours on end.
There are a lot of options out there for gaming chairs, which is why we’ve created this helpful guide to walk you through the 7 different factors you need to consider when buying gaming chairs.
1. Lumbar Support
Backache shouldn’t be a normal part of gaming, but so many gamers think it is.
Of course, you should take regular breaks to move around a bit while you game — even if that is only to go to the fridge to get a drink or a snack! But most often backache while gaming is a result of poor back support in your chair.
Back pain and bad posture from a poor home gaming setup can lead to a whole host of health problems down the line. This includes decreased circulation, digestion problems, and pinched nerves to name a few.
Because of this, it’s so important you consider back support when buying gaming chairs more than any other factor. This will help you maintain a better posture by providing you with good lumbar support.
Most gaming chairs consider back support in their design now, but you should look out for these particular features for the best product:
- Lumbar back support
- Recline feature
- Adjustable armrests
- Memory foam cushion
All these features work together to make sure you stay comfortable and healthy while you game to your heart’s content.
2. Comfort
Closely related to the above, another factor to consider when buying a gaming chair is comfort.
This will relate to a few different factors, including back support, materials used, and durability.
In an ideal world, you may want to go try out a few gaming chairs in person to sit in them and see how they feel. What feels comfortable for one gamer won’t for another.
The top of the line comfortable gaming chairs use cold foam for their padding material, alongside leather and other breathable materials in the upholstery. It’s well worth looking at gaming chairs that also have padded headrests and armrests for the most comfortable chair.
3. Adjustability
You’ll need to adjust your chair to your individual home gaming setup. Desks vary in height and depth. So your gaming chair will need to adjust to fit perfectly in your unique setup.
Of course, you’ll want height adjustment features as a bare minimum. For the best posture and comfort, you should ensure your knees are at a 90-degree angle with your feet on the floor. Most gaming chairs feature a hydraulic height adjustment lift so you can do this.
As we mentioned above, great gaming chairs will also come with adjustable armrests. This allows many gamers of different heights to sit in perfect comfort for hours. Tilt control and an adjustable back will also help this.
4. Upholstery
You need to do your research when it comes to upholstery. For most, leather is the preferred option for high-end gaming chairs.
But don’t sweat it if these are out of your budget (or you’re vegan!). There are artificial leather gaming chairs. Though it’s worth pointing out this material is far less breathable than others.
If you’re avoiding leather, microfiber is a great option for a breathable, durable material.
5. Durability
There are few things worse than shelling out a lot of money on something you really want, only for it to break a couple of months later. This is why it’s important to consider durability when buying a gaming chair.
You need to get a well-built chair from a reliable brand. This doesn’t only mean the upholstery, but the frame materials too. Plastic frames don’t tend to last as long as metal ones.
Make sure you check out the reviews of any chair you’re thinking of buying beforehand so you can avoid the duds.
6. Dimensions
There’s not much point in having a gaming chair if it doesn’t fit in your room. So make sure to look up the dimensions of your gaming chair before you buy, at least to make sure it fits through the front door!
The dimensions of your chair also link to the support it’s able to give you. It’s pretty simple logic — taller and bigger gamers will need a bigger chair. A smaller one won’t give them the support they need and they’ll end up uncomfortable.
There are a couple of simple rules you can follow here. For gamers under 5’10”, the gaming chair should have an overall height of between 42 to 48 inches. While gamers taller than this will need a chair between 48 to 55 inches in height.
You’ll also want to check out the weight capacity of the chair to ensure it can hold your weight.
7. Compatibility
Gaming chairs now come with a whole host of electronic features like LED lighting, in-built speakers, USB charging ports, and vibration feedback.
It goes without saying, we’d all love a gaming chair with all the bells and whistles, but they come with the price tag to match so it’s not an option for everyone.
If it is within your budget, you’ll want to make sure your gaming chair is compatible with whatever consoles you’re using.
8. Budget
Last, but by no means least, you’ll want to make a budget. This will vary depending on what’s affordable to you. But as with most things, often the more you spend, the higher the quality.
Gaming chairs can set you back anywhere between a cheap $50 off Amazon to a couple of thousand dollars for the top-of-the-line luxury chairs. When you’re comparing chair prices, make sure you’re also comparing the quality of the product. Sometimes it’s worth spending that bit extra for something you’ll be happy with for years.
Research Before Buying Gaming Chairs
Buying gaming chairs is exciting, but you need to make sure you do your research first. Set yourself a budget and try to get the best quality gaming chair in your price range with as many great features as possible.
We’ve got lots more helpful articles on all things gaming in the technology section of our blog, so be sure to check it out.